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---
title: Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 / 102
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Home Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1983'
cpus:
- Intel 80c85
params:
name: TRS-80 Model 100 / 102
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_system_1.jpg
company: /companies/tandy-radio-shack
company_name: Tandy Radio Shack
specs:
- label: NAME
value: TRS-80 Model 100 / 102
- label: MANUFACTURER
value: Tandy Radio Shack
- label: TYPE
value: Home Computer
- label: ORIGIN
value: U.S.A.
- label: YEAR
value: '1983'
- label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
value: Enhanced version of Microsoft BASIC
- label: KEYBOARD
value: |-
Full-size typewriter style keyboard\
8 function keys
- label: CPU
value: Intel 80c85 (code and pin compatible with 8085)
- label: SPEED
value: 3 MHz
- label: RAM
value: |-
8 kb, up to 32 KB (29638 bytes free)\
by incremental 8 kb RAM pack on PCB
- label: ROM
value: 32 kb (up to 64 kb)
- label: TEXT MODES
value: 40 x 8 (LCD screen)
- label: GRAPHIC MODES
value: 240 x 64 (Full-Dot matrix)
- label: COLORS
value: monochrome
- label: SOUND
value: Beeper
- label: SIZE / WEIGHT
value: 30 (w) x 21.5 (D) x 4.5 (H) cm.
- label: I/O PORTS
value: |-
Centronics\
Tape\
Bar Code\
RS232\
Phone\
System Bus
- label: BUILT IN MEDIA
value: User RAM battery backup
- label: POWER SUPPLY
value: 6v DC - 1.1 w or 4 x AA alkaline-manganese batteries
- label: PERIPHERALS
value: |-
Disk-drive\
Printer\
Acoustic modem
- label: PRICE
value: $799 - £499
tabs:
- photos
- adverts
- hardware
- software
- links
- docs
forum_thread: 243
photos:
- title: TANDY MODEL 100
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_100_2.jpg
- title: MODEL 100
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_system_2.jpg
- title: MODEL 102
subtitle: ''
text: Notice some differences in arrangement of the function keys with model 100.
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model102_system_2.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 (BOTTOM)
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_100_bottom.jpg
- title: 100-102 LABELS
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_labels_1.jpg
- title: REAR CONNECTORS
subtitle: ''
text: |-
The main difference between two versions is the System Bus connector that is featured only on the 102 version.
**(1)** Modem DB9 connector and switches\
**(2)** Tape recorder DIN plug\
**(3)** Phone line DIN plug\
**(4)** Parallel printer 26 pin connector - Tandy specific\
**(5)** Battery backup On/Off switch\
**(6)** Expansion Bus 40 pin connector - Only featured on 102 version\
**(7)** RS232 DB25 commector\
**(8)** Reset switch
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_back_1.jpg
- title: DISPLAY CLOSE-UP
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_100_display-close-up.jpg
- title: SCREENSHOTS
subtitle: ''
text: |-
**Top**: When the computer is switched on, one can select one of five software available in ROM.
**Bottom**: 225 characters are available in ROM, including international accent letters and graphic characters.
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_screenshots_1.jpg
- title: TANDY LEATHER CASE
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_tandy_leather_case.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 BOX
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_box.jpg
- title: MODEL 102 BOX
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model102_box.jpg
- title: SAME HARDWARE BASE
subtitle: ''
text: Like Philips which sells in Europe a part of its products range under Radiola or Schneider brands names, or Sharp pocket computers, also sold under Tandy name with minor design changes, these three computers (&lt;$475$>Olivetti M10, &lt;$334$>NEC 8201, &lt;$233$>Tandy Mod. 100)are, in fact the same model, manufactured by Kyocera company. If hardware part is basically the same, external design may differ. Olivetti propose a tilting display, Nec adds arrows keys, etc. Major purpose of this partnership is to reduce study and manufacturing costs. The same model, designed and manufactured by a single company should be 25% more expensive.
image: /media/museum/photos/olivetti_m10_samehard.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 MANUAL
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_manual_1.jpg
- title: MODEL 102 MAINBOARD
subtitle: ''
text: |-
**(1)** External power supply jack. Power is supplied by a 6V AC adaptor\
**(2)** Serial RS232 DB25 connector\
**(3)** Reset switch\
**(4)** Keyboard connector\
**(5)** 40-pin system bus connector\
**(6)** User RAM battery backup and switch\
**(7)** Printer 26-pin connector - Tandy specific\
**(8)** Phone DIN plug\
**(9)** Tape recorder DIN plug\
**(10)** Modem DB9 conector and switches\
**(11)** Optional software ROM socket\
**(12)** 32 KB RAM chips\
**(13)** Basic language and buit-in software ROM - (c) Microsoft\
**(14)** 8085 processor - Here an OKI version\
**(15)** 8155 I/O chip\
**(16)** Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) CDP 6402 chip\
**(17)** Beeper\
**(18)** Power switch\
**(19)** Display contrast adjustment
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model102_mainboard_1.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 MAINBOARD
subtitle: ''
text: |-
**(1)** Cassette, Phone, Printer, Serial connectors and Reset switch. Notice that there is no bus connector in Model 100\
**(2)** LCD display connector\
**(3)** Internal batteries and external power supply connectors\
**(4)** Keyboard connectors\
**(5)** Basic interpreter and built-in software ROM\
**(6)** 8085 processor, 6402 UART and 8155 I/O chips\
**(7)** Each 4 KB module is composed of 2 x 6117 chips (2K x 8 bits)\
**(8)** Hitachi 6264 8 KB chip\
**(9)** Modem DB9 connector and switches
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_mainboard_2.jpg
- title: CLOSE-UP
subtitle: ''
text: RAM memory chips
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_model100_mboardcloseup_1.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 CONNECTED TO A MAC
subtitle: ''
text: This Model 100 is connected to a Mac thanks to a MacDOS II kit.
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_m100_connected-mac.jpg
- title: MODEL 100 CONNECTED TO A PC
subtitle: ''
text: This Model 100 is connected to a PC thanks to a LapDOS II kit.
image: /media/museum/photos/tandy_m100_connected-pc.jpg
adverts:
- title: U.S. AD. JUNE 1983
subtitle: ''
text: First advert of the Model 100.
image: /media/museum/pubs/tandy_model100_pub_1.jpg
hardware:
- title: SUITCASE
subtitle: Tape-recorder + computer + acoustic coupler
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_suitcase.jpg
- title: PORTABLE DISK-DRIVE
subtitle: ''
text: This is a 3''1/2 diskdrive for TRS-80 Model 100/102 and 200. It has a capacity of 100 kb formated. It can run on 4 AA batteries or a 6 volt adapter.
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_diskdrive.jpg
- title: 3.5'' DISK-DRIVE UNIT
subtitle: ''
text: |-
This unit is connected to the serial port of the computer\
Run with batteries or AC adaptor.
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_fdunit_1.jpg
- title: FIRST LAPTOP 300-BAUD MODEM
subtitle: Laptop Compters Talk on the Phone Line!!!!!
text: |-
Back in 1985 Scott Stogel of California developed a 300 baud modem used in the very first laptops such as the Tandy 100 and NEC 8201 (and even the original Kyocera 85).\
This modem was essentially the first laptop modem and soon morphed into Touchbase series of the battery powered "portable modems". Over 5 years brand names included Technigroup, TravelComm 1200, WorldPort 1200, 2400, 9600 were produced.\
The value became clear as reporters traveling worldwide who began to 'transmit' their text stories to their home offices.\
It is said that a TravelComm 1200 modem even ended up on an early NASA space shuttle. I used mine to connect to BBS's (pre-internet newgroups) Prices ranged from $129 to over $700 for this modems... most about the size of a package of cigarettes.\
By 1992, TouchBase Systems was sold to U.S. Robotics and the product line lived on for several more years....\
Touchbase staff continued on in the computer business... laptop modems to connect on the phone line became standard... then the internet happened ....
Thanks to John, a former owner of the original 3oo baud and TravelComm
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_300baudmodem_s1.jpg
- title: ACOUSTIC COUPLER
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_acoustic_modem.jpg
- title: BARCODE READER
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_barcode_reader.jpg
- title: 8K RAM UPGRADE
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_m102_8kram_upgrade.jpg
- title: BOOSTER PAK
subtitle: ''
text: |-
The Booster Pak is snapped onto the bottom of the Tandy 100/102. It features: - 136k of RAM memory (96k available for files)\
\- 64k of ROM software\
\- 16 socketed slots for 32k RAM and/or ROM software chips\
\- 2 Tandy MOLEX ROM sockets\
\- Provision for a built-in Nicad battery pack\
\- Provision for a built-in 1200 baud Hayes compatible modem\
\- Continuous RAM software built-in (no bank switching or copying)\
\- File folders/subdirectories supported\
\- TS-DOS disk software built-in\
\- X-TEL communications software built-in\
\- TELCOM supports file upload/downloading to Booster Pak\
\- Long life lithium battery for RAM backup (rated 7 years)\
\- BASIC access programming to virtual RAM\
\- ROM environment software (mix and match any ROM software)\
\- ROM software applications from 32-480k in size\
\- Fast action Asteroids game (with great graphics) built-in
The perfect add-on !
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_m100_boosterpack_1.jpg
- title: BOOSTER PAK
subtitle: Inside
text: ''
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_m100_boosterpack_2.jpg
- title: 8 ROM EXPANSION PACK
subtitle: ''
text: |-
With this addon you can add up to 256k of ROM software to the Tandy or NEC laptop. This slim-design 8-chip ROM pack is approximately 1/2 inch thick and 2.5" wide. Attaches directly under the model 100, 102, 200 or NEC 8201/8300. Only one connection is required to the existing ROM socket. Switching from one ROM software to another is done all by software.
This expansion pack was sold with TS-DOS ROMs and Sardine as an option. Sardine package includes: T-Word word processor, Sardine proof reader / spelling checker and the Random House American dictionary.
8-ROM Expansion pack with Sardine Plus & TS-DOS = $299 (1988, USA)\
8-ROM Expansion pack with TS-DOS only = $169.95 (1988, USA)
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_m100_8romexp.jpg
- title: COMPLETE SYSTEM !
subtitle: ''
text: |-
This is a Model 100 with most of its peripherals :
\- the DVI (Disk Video Interface)\
\- a serial 5''1/4 floppy drive (right)\
\- a thermal printer\
\- a 3''1/2 5 serial floppy drive (on top of the DVI)\
\- a barcode reader (on top of the 3''1/2 disk-drive)
The DVI is an excellent device which adds a 5''1/4 floppy-drive and enables to use a monitor as the main screen (40/80 x 24) !
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_complete%281%29.jpg
- title: DISK VIDEO INTERFACE
subtitle: from Tandy
text: The DVI is an excellent device which adds a 5''1/4 floppy-drive and enables to use a monitor as the main screen (40/80 x 24) !
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_100_dvi_1.jpg
- title: TALK TO PCS OR MACS
subtitle: ''
text: '...used to connect a Tandy Model 100/102/200 (or NEC 8201/8300) to PCs or Macs.'
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_lapdos_1.jpg
- title: CLOSE-UP
subtitle: ''
text: A complete full-featured ROM-based application package for Model 100, 102, and NEC8201 owners. ROM includes T-WORD (full featured word-processing and print formatting- includes chain-printing from disk), T-BASE (relational database with mail merge to T-WORD), IDEA! (a thought organizer and outliner), and VIEW80 (see up to 60 char/line in T-WORD, T-BASE, BASIC and TELCOM). Includes auto-loaders for disk-based TS-DOS and Sardine programming.
image: /media/museum/hardware/tandy_model100_ultimaterom_1.jpg
screenshots:
- title: MODEL 100 STARTUP SCREEN
subtitle: ''
text: This is the startup screen of a 24 kb Model 100.
image: /media/museum/software/tandy_model100_bootup_screen.jpg
- title: MAIN SCREEN
subtitle: ''
text: This is the main screen with the built-in applications listed. It's an upgraded computer with 32 kb RAM.
image: /media/museum/software/tandy_model100_screen_2.jpg
- title: ULTIMATE ROM
subtitle: ''
text: |-
The Ultimate ROM, from Traveling Software, was a very useful tool for professional users.\
When inserted in the optional ROM socket and called by CALL 63013,0 from BASIC, it offered:\
**T-WORD** A full-featured word processor allowing professional looking text to be printed to any kind of parallel or serial printers.\
**T-BASE** A professional database and reporting tool that could be configured for any kind of requirements.
image: /media/museum/software/tandy_model100_ultimaterom_1.jpg
- title: LAPDOS / MACDOS
subtitle: ''
text: |-
LapDos II and MacDos II was special versions of LapLink allowing a connection between an PC or MAC and the Tandy portable disk drive trough a serial communication at speeds up to 19200 bauds.
Thanks to Jonathan Sturm
image: /media/museum/software/tandy_model100_lapdos_1.jpg
links:
- title: Club 100 - by Raymond Walden
url: http://www.club100.org/index.html
text: Loads of stuff including many programs for your Tandy portable computer !
- title: San Francisco Chronicle
url: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/07/22/BU160803.DTL
text: San Francisco Chronicle article about the Tandy 100
- title: Tandy laptops forum
url: http://www.tandy102.bravehost.com/
text: Posts and chat around Tandy 100, 102, 200 systems
- title: The TRS-80 Model 100 News
url: http://209.196.30.88/servlet/Pt1?+TRS-80^Model^100
text: ''
- title: Web Wiz CAPTCHA
url: http://www.webwizcaptcha.com
text: Discussion about Tandy computers
docs:
- title: TANDY 102 - OWNER'S MANUAL
url: http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html
cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/tandy_m102_owners-manual.jpg
text: |-
[**TANDY 102 - OWNER'S MANUAL**](http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html)written by Tandy Corporation
 compiled/archived by Charles Good\
 type of document : PDF\
 source : [www.club100.org](http://www.club100.org)
- title: TANDY 102 - TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
url: http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html
cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/tandy_m102_technical-reference-manual.jpg
text: |-
[**TANDY 102 - TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL**](http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html)written by Tandy Corporation
 compiled/archived by Charles Good\
 type of document : PDF\
 source : [www.club100.org](http://www.club100.org)
- title: TANDY 100 - QUICK REFERENCE CARD
url: http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html
cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/tandy_m100_quick-reference-card.jpg
text: |-
[**TANDY 100 - QUICK REFERENCE CARD**](http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html)written by Tandy Corporation
 compiled/archived by Charles Good\
 type of document : PDF\
 source : [www.club100.org](http://www.club100.org)
- title: TANDY 100 - SERVICE MANUAL
url: http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html
cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/tandy_m100_service-manual.jpg
text: |-
[**TANDY 100 - SERVICE MANUAL**](http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html)written by Tandy Corporation
 compiled/archived by Charles Good\
 type of document : PDF\
 source : [www.club100.org](http://www.club100.org)
- title: TANDY 100 - TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
url: http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html
cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/tandy_m100_technical-reference-manual.jpg
text: |-
[**TANDY 100 - TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL**](http://www.club100.org/library/libdoc.html)written by Tandy Corporation
 compiled/archived by Charles Good\
 type of document : PDF\
 source : [www.club100.org](http://www.club100.org)
oc_id: 233
source:
url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230605030605/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=233
date: '2023-06-05'
---
The Tandy 100 was actually a computer made in Japan by Kyocera. All the ROM programs were written by Microsoft, and even a few of them were written by Bill Gates (!) himself ! These programs include a text editor, a telecommunication program, which uses the built-in modem (300 baud), and a rather good version of BASIC (no big surprise there).
Kyocera made this computer for three main companies: Tandy, Olivetti (Olivetti M10) and NEC (PC 8201), these computers are the same except the case and some little differences in the programs and a few physical differences.
The operating system uses 3130 bytes of the 8 KB RAM. So the 8 KB models (Catalog # 26-3801) didn’t sell very well. But there was also a 24 kb model (Catalog # 26-3802), and one year later, Tandy replaced the Tandy 100 with the Tandy 102 (which has 24 kb RAM too), and later with the Tandy 200 (1985).
The Tandy 102 is 1/2 inch thinner and one pound weight different. The "Date-Bug" (random changing of the calendar) is also repaired from the Model 100. But many people still prefer the feel of the Model 100 as there are also more 100-only accessories on the used market than compatible accessories...
The CMOS CPU (80c85) allows to use the Tandy 100 for 20 hours with only 4 AA batteries (5 days at 4 hours/day or 20 days at 1 hour/day)!! The model 100/102 is still considered and used as an excellent machine, mainly to type texts when you're on the move (you can transfer them to modern computers) and even to send and receive emails !
Fun fact : its CPU was also used on the Mars Pathfinder probe's Sojourner rover !